Celtic must swoop for experienced PL winner in Jan after reported talks begin for exit

Brendan Rodgers has already made progress in solidifying his defence before the January transfer window has even opened by sealing a deal to sign Marvin Compper from RB Leipzig.

However the Parkhead boss has also previously admitted that he would like to bolster his options at right-back as well as centre-back.

Mikael Lustig and Cristian Gamboa could both be off to the World Cup in Russia next summer, meaning that Anthony Ralston may be the only right-back available to play in the early Champions League qualifiers next season.

The Daily Mail has claimed that Johnson, 33, is in talks with Stoke over ending his deal six months early after making just four appearances across all competitions in the first half of the season.

The experienced Premier League right-back, who won the title with Chelsea in 2004/05, would be perfect for Rodgers’ side in order to help them reach the Champions League group stages for yet another year.

If Celtic want someone just for them games, then they should not look for someone who will be too expensive and could work out to be a waste of money to play second fiddle to Lustig.

Johnson would be available for free if his deal was terminated by Stoke so there would be no money wasted by the Bhoys, who could also use the ex-England international’s arrival as an excuse to offload Gamboa all together with the Costa Rican full-back struggling in Glasgow.

Johnson’s experience of top-flight football in both England and Europe means he would be the perfect signing for Celtic and Rodgers must seal a swoop for him next month.